Norwegian Cruise Line reviews

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the flexible dining trend more than a decade ago, and the line continues to offer numerous, creative dining choices. (Think lobster roll stands and Cuban grills.) The line’s studio cabins on newer ships are a boon for supplement-weary singles, and Haven suites — which share a private sundeck and restaurant — feel like the concierge floor of an upscale hotel. Among the many kid pleasers: breakfast with Nickelodeon characters (such as Dora and Sponge Bob) and learning Cirque du Soleil-inspired tricks.

Top 5 Norwegian Cruise Line Destinations:

Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)

(79 cruises)

Caribbean - Bahamas

(66 cruises)

Caribbean - Western

(59 cruises)

Panama Canal, Central America

(47 cruises)

Europe - Western Mediterranean

(40 cruises)

Top 5 Norwegian Cruise Line Departure Ports:

Miami, Florida

(123 cruises)

New York, New York

(45 cruises)

Seattle, Washington

(29 cruises)

Southampton (London), England

(28 cruises)

Barcelona, Spain

(28 cruises)

Norwegian Cruise Line rankings

Why you should sail with Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Cruise Line tips

Norwegian is known for their Freestyle Cruising because of their laid-back atmosphere with no set dining times. You should consider taking a Norwegian cruise if you...

  • Wish to eat where you want, when you want
  • Are basically anyone who likes a laid-back atmosphere — Norwegian attracts a broad range of passengers, including couples, families, and seniors
  • Are a solo traveler, as Norwegian ships offer single cabins
  • Enjoy upscale entertainment including popular Broadway shows
  • Are willing to pay a bit extra for an enhanced experience; you will find an upcharge on dining and activities more often than on other lines

Expert review of Norwegian Cruise Line

Best for

Families and couples who appreciate innovative dining, entertainment, and activities. Plus, singles will be wowed by Norwegian's studio cabins.

Not for

Introverts and cruise purists who may prefer traditional ships over these resorts-at-sea.

We love

  • Creative dining outlets, including a Chinese noodle bar and a lobster roll stand.
  • The studio cabins on newer ships make it the most affordable line for solo cruisers. 
  • Haven suites, which share a private sundeck, feel like a mini-luxury ship within a mass-market one.
  • While other lines have comedy acts, Second City offers improv on these ships, and Norwegian Breakaway’s edgy Broadway show, “Rock of Ages,” pushes boundaries. (Picture bra dancing, potty-mouth language, and adult themes.)
  • Original activities for grown-ups include onboard pub crawls that will make you feel like an undergrad again.
  • On Breakaway and Epic, the water park and sports decks — which include a bungee trampoline, a spider web climbing frame, and multiple corkscrew water slides, as well as a ropes course on Breakaway — are outstanding.
  • Kids love the family breakfast with Nickelodeon characters.
  • Bars and eateries on Breakaway’s Waterfront deck have the best setting at sea.

We could live without

  • Compared to those on Carnival and Holland America, The standard cabins on Norwegian cruise ships are tight, especially the bathrooms.
  • Nickel and diming for food: Other than the main dining room and buffet, there is a charge (from $15 to $75) for almost everything else.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line cruiser reviews

Service and Staff

4.2

Average rating

Ship Quality

4.1

Average rating

Destinations and Excursions

4.1

Average rating

Cabin / Stateroom

4.1

Average rating

Entertainment

3.9

Average rating

Food and Dining

3.9

Average rating

Onboard Activities

3.7

Average rating

Children's Programs

3.7

Average rating

Embarkation and Debarkation

4.1

Average rating

What cruisers say

  • Maryann84311883 says ...

    Great staff, crew, captain, cruise director. Cabin crew was wonderful, loved talking to all the international crew! Read full review
  • lorriez says ...

    The ship was well planned and styled well- very easy to get around and you can't believe it's such a huge ship- never felt crowded even at full capacity...love the Epic Read full review
  • rvanpary says ...

    Each port and excursion was more beautiful than the last. Tortolla - want to move there. Read full review

21 Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Norwegian Aqua

Price: $$$$
Ship size: XL
0
0 Reviews

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 57-year history of breakin...

Sails to:

Bermuda Caribbean - Bahamas Caribbean - Eastern Caribbean - Western Transatlantic

Sails from:

Miami, Florida New York, New York Port Canaveral, Florida Southampton (London), England

Norwegian Bliss

Price: $
Ship size: XL
4.1

Norwegian Bliss is one of Norwegian’s newest ships and one of the largest in the world, yet it strik...

Sails to:

Alaska - Inside Passage Caribbean - Western Coastal - West Coast Mexico Panama Canal, Central America

Sails from:

Miami, Florida San Pedro (Los Angeles), California Seattle, Washington Southampton (London), England

Norwegian Breakaway

Price: $$
Ship size: XL
3.8

With three dazzling Broadway shows, five waterslides, 15 bars, and 27 restaurants, Norwegian Breakaw...

Sails to:

Bermuda Canada, New England, New York Caribbean - Bahamas Caribbean - Eastern Caribbean - Southern

Sails from:

Barcelona, Spain Boston, Massachusetts Miami, Florida New York, New York Port Canaveral, Florida Southampton (London), England TRIESTE (VENICE), ITALY

Ship size:

  • XL: 4,000 + passengers
  • L: 2,000 to 4,000 passengers
  • M: 500 to 2,000 passengers
  • S: Less than 500 passengers

Price:

  • $$$$: $1500 and up
  • $$$: Up to $1500
  • $$: Up to $1000
  • $: Up to $500

View all 21 Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

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